US20160223171A1 - Powered mounting clips for mounting decorative articles - Google Patents
Powered mounting clips for mounting decorative articles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160223171A1 US20160223171A1 US14/773,393 US201414773393A US2016223171A1 US 20160223171 A1 US20160223171 A1 US 20160223171A1 US 201414773393 A US201414773393 A US 201414773393A US 2016223171 A1 US2016223171 A1 US 2016223171A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- mounting
- mounting clip
- conductive contact
- electrical
- contact region
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- Abandoned
Links
- 238000005034 decoration Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 claims description 2
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Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
- F21V21/08—Devices for easy attachment to any desired place, e.g. clip, clamp, magnet
- F21V21/088—Clips; Clamps
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/20—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/20—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/22—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material
- F16B2/24—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material of metal
- F16B2/241—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material of metal of sheet metal
- F16B2/245—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material of metal of sheet metal external, i.e. with contracting action
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B45/00—Hooks; Eyes
- F16B45/005—Hooks; Eyes characterised by the material
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B9/00—Connections of rods or tubular parts to flat surfaces at an angle
- F16B9/05—Connections of rods or tubular parts to flat surfaces at an angle by way of an intermediate member
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S4/00—Lighting devices or systems using a string or strip of light sources
- F21S4/10—Lighting devices or systems using a string or strip of light sources with light sources attached to loose electric cables, e.g. Christmas tree lights
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S9/00—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply
- F21S9/02—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator
- F21S9/03—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator rechargeable by exposure to light
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/06—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being coupling devices, e.g. connectors
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/03—Contact members characterised by the material, e.g. plating, or coating materials
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/22—Contacts for co-operating by abutting
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
- H01R24/58—Contacts spaced along longitudinal axis of engagement
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R31/00—Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart
- H01R31/06—Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter
- H01R31/065—Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter with built-in electric apparatus
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R33/00—Coupling devices specially adapted for supporting apparatus and having one part acting as a holder providing support and electrical connection via a counterpart which is structurally associated with the apparatus, e.g. lamp holders; Separate parts thereof
- H01R33/05—Two-pole devices
- H01R33/18—Two-pole devices having only abutting contacts
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
- H02J7/34—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering
- H02J7/35—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering with light sensitive cells
-
- H02J7/355—
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/20—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/22—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B45/00—Hooks; Eyes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S9/00—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply
- F21S9/02—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator
- F21S9/03—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator rechargeable by exposure to light
- F21S9/032—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator rechargeable by exposure to light the solar unit being separate from the lighting unit
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
- F21V21/08—Devices for easy attachment to any desired place, e.g. clip, clamp, magnet
- F21V21/0824—Ground spikes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
- F21W2121/00—Use or application of lighting devices or systems for decorative purposes, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00
- F21W2121/004—Use or application of lighting devices or systems for decorative purposes, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00 mounted on the exterior of houses or other buildings to illuminate parts thereof
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
- F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]
Definitions
- the field of the present invention relates to mounting clips configured to mount onto a rain gutter downspout, household post, deck post, tree, pole, various sizes of lumber, doorway, or other comparable mounting surface.
- Security lights for example, are usually mounted onto exterior corners of buildings, using screws and specially designed mounting brackets.
- Decorative lights are often mounted with hook-type attachments, which are nailed or screwed into the building exterior or joined to horizontally disposed rain gutters.
- Flag mounts and other types of seasonal decorations are similarly mounted to building exteriors, using special attachments which are screwed or nailed into place.
- Downspouts which are also commonly known as waterspouts, down pipes, drain spouts, and drain pipes, are vertically positioned conduits which are coupled to horizontally positioned gutters to carry rainwater from a gutter to ground level. Downspouts primarily direct water away from a building's foundation. By using downspouts, water may be directed to a sewer, rain collection area, or to the ground at a distance from a building foundation. Downspouts generally are positioned vertically against exterior building walls, and typically are coupled to building exteriors using straps positioned at various points along the vertical length of the downspout. Although some proposed solutions have considered clip-type attachments for decorative lights to horizontally-positioned gutters disposed along a roofline, these attachments are not adaptable to the shape and configuration of downspouts and other comparable vertically disposed mounting surfaces.
- a mounting clip is configured for attachment to a downspout or other comparable mounting surface.
- the mounting clip includes a frame having a plurality of extending arms and a central portion disposed between at least two of the plurality of extending arms.
- a blank receiving area configured to mate with a blank, is defined in the central portion.
- Various types of mountable elements may be coupled to the blank, including hooks, clips, arms, and mounting plates.
- the extending arms, central portions and/or rear portions of the frame may include projections and channels, which are complementary to the mounting surface such that the clip engages with the surface without the need for fastening elements.
- Variations include incorporating electrical connectors or conductive leads into the frame that are adapted for electrical communication with powered elements of decorative articles.
- the powered mounting clips may be electrically joined together, such as by wire connections, to form an integrated system of powered mounting clips.
- the powered mounting clips may be joined to power sources, such as batteries, and particularly battery packs associated with solar panels.
- the powered mounting clips may be linked in series with other powered accessories, such as staked lights, strings of lights and holiday decorations with movable parts or appendages.
- FIG. 1 is a right perspective view of one configuration of a mounting clip positioned for alignment onto a downspout;
- FIG. 2 is a left perspective view of the mounting clip shown in FIG. I;
- FIG. 3A is a right perspective view of the mounting clip shown in FIG. I and a blank positioned in alignment with a blank receiving area on the clip;
- FIG. 3B is a right perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the first configuration of a mounting clip with a blank therein, wherein said blank is coupled to a flag or banner attachment;
- FIG. 3C is a right perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the first configuration of a mounting clip with a blank therein, wherein said blank is coupled to a hook attachment;
- FIG. 4A is a right perspective view of a second configuration of a mounting clip
- FIG. 4B is a right perspective view of a third configuration of a mounting clip
- FIG. 5 is a front view of the mounting clip configuration shown in FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is a right perspective view of a fourth configuration of a mounting clip
- FIG. 7 is a right perspective view of a mounting clip assembly
- FIG. 8 is a right perspective view of a fifth configuration of a mounting clip
- FIG. 9A is a top view of a mounting clip configuration shown in FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 9B is a top view of a sixth mounting clip configuration
- FIG. 10 is a right perspective view of a decorative article coupled to a mounting clip
- FIG. 11 is a right perspective view of a decorative article having an integrated mounting clip
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one mounting clip configuration mounted onto a vertical post
- FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a house featuring a solar-powered display system that includes solar panels and battery packs in electrical communication with several mounting clips and several other powered elements, such as staked light bulbs and strings of light bulbs;
- FIG. 14 is a partially exploded right perspective view showing a powered mounting clip assembly with a powered mounting clip and mating blank
- FIG. 15 is a right perspective view of the powered mounting clip assembly of FIG. 14 , installed onto a vertical downspout or post;
- FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16 - 16 in FIGS. 14 ;
- FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17 - 17 in FIG. 15 .
- FIGS. 1-12 show various configurations of mounting clips 10 , 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 , 500 , 600 , 700 .
- the mounting clips and decorative mounting articles described herein are configured for mounting onto a downspout or other comparable vertically disposed mounting surface.
- the term “downspout” should be broadly construed as any conduit that may couple to a roof gutter or drainage system on a building structure.
- the term “building structure” should be construed broadly as any structure having walls suitable for installation of a downspout or comparable vertically disposed mounting surface. Such structures are therefore not limited to stationary building structures, but may also include boats, mobile homes, and recreational vehicles, which may be suitable for habitation.
- mounting clips and decorative mounting articles may be mounted on alternative mounting surfaces other than vertically disposed mounting surfaces.
- Alternative mounting surfaces may comprise, for example and without limitation, hand railings, deck railings, porch railings, whether horizontally disposed or angularly disposed, trees, poles, various sizes of lumber, and doorways.
- the mounting clips and decorative mounting articles shown may be manufactured from a variety of material types. However, in preferred configurations, the clips and articles are manufactured with flexible materials, including, but not limited to, elastomeric, thermoplastic, and metallic materials.
- a representative metal is aluminum.
- Representative thermoplastic materials are polyvinylchloride (PVC) and polyurethane.
- a representative elastomeric material is rubber or latex rubber.
- Such materials should be substantially weather resistant such that they are not subject to significant corrosion upon frequent exposure to rain, snow, ice, humidity, etc.
- the materials may be impregnated with or coated with protective materials, such as but not limited to, antimicrobials, UV-resistants and/or flame retardants, which provide sufficient weather resistance.
- Mounting clips and decorative mounting articles may also be manufactured with different types of colors such that they blend with the building structure or downspout material.
- mounting clips and decorative mounting articles may be manufactured having a contrasting color, decoration, or pattern that lends to building aesthetics or seasonal decor.
- mounting clips may have a shape and color that changes the appearance of a downspout to appear from a distance to be a striped candy cane.
- mounting clips and decorative mounting articles may have shapes and colors that are complementary to other decor positioned close to the building structure.
- FIGS. 1-3C and 12 show on version of a mounting clip 10 configured for attachment to a mounting surface 2 , such as a downspout 2 a, a post 2 b ( FIG. 12 ), or other comparable mounting surface.
- the downspout 2 a is in a substantially vertical position against a building structure 4 and may be coupled to a horizontally positioned gutter 6 , which is coupled to a roof 8 of the building structure.
- the mounting clip 10 includes a frame 12 having a plurality of extending arms 14 and a central portion 16 disposed between at least two of the plurality of extending arms.
- the frame 12 has a shape that is complementary to a profiled mounting surface 17 , which is represented in hidden lines in FIG. 2 .
- a “profiled mounting surface” is defined herein as a surface that engages with complementary engagement portions of a mounting clip or a decorative mounting article, as further described below.
- the frame 12 may be substantially u-shaped such that it covers front sections and side sections of the downspout. If the mounting surface, such as a downspout, has a generally circular cross-section, however, the frame may be substantially c-shaped. Other complementary frame configurations may also be realized, depending upon the cross-sectional shape of the mounting surface.
- the mounting clip 10 includes at least two extending arms 14 each having an engagement portion 18 with a profiled inner section 20 .
- the clip 10 also includes a corner section 22 that engages with the corners 26 of the mounting surface 2 , while the profiled inner sections 20 is configured to engage with a profiled mounting surface 17 .
- the profiled inner section 20 of the extending arm also may include projections 30 and channels 32 that extend from an upper arm edge 34 to a lower arm edge 36 .
- Opposing extending arms 14 a, 14 b may be slightly tapered toward one another such that upon installation onto a mounting surface 2 , the arms 14 a, 14 b are pulled apart. During installation, extending arms 14 a, 14 b may then be released and positioned such that projections 30 and channels 32 of the profiled inner section 20 are in substantial alignment with the profiled mounting surface 17 .
- projections 30 fit within or engage recesses or channels of the profiled mounting surface 17
- ridges or raised portions of the profiled mounting surface 17 fit within or engage with channels 32 such that the clip is held onto the surface without the use of fastening elements, such as tape, nails, and screws, or the like.
- the engagement of the profiled sections 20 of the clip 10 and the mounting surface 17 is such that the clip 10 may be quickly installed onto the mounting surfaces by pushing force, and then in turn quickly removed by pulling the extending arms away from the mounting surface 17 .
- the extending arms 14 a, 14 b provide sufficient force to hold the clip in place and to support various types of mountable elements 19 , including decorations, flag poles, and lights, as further described below.
- the engagement of the clip 10 to the mounting surface 17 is a snap fit or comparable to a snap fit, and the clip 10 may be installed and removed repeatedly from the engagement to the mounting surface 17 .
- the central portion 16 includes a blank receiving area 38 , having a varying wall thickness, with at least one wall thickness portion having a greater wall thickness than the extending arm wall thickness.
- the blank receiving area 38 defines a slotted are 40 , having one section with a substantially rectangular shape, and a blank opening area 42 .
- the shapes of the slotted area and the blank opening area shown in FIGS. 1-3C should not be construed as limited.
- Each of these areas 40 , 42 may have any shape that facilitates mating with a blank 44 . Mating may occur by slidable engagement, snap engagement, lock and key type arrangements, male and female arrangements, and/or any other engagement method used alone or in combination that allows for mounting of the blank onto the mounting clip.
- the blank 44 includes a protruding section 46 and a mating section 48 .
- the mating section 48 is configured for positioning within the slotted area 40 such that the blank 44 slides into the blank receiving area 38 .
- the protruding section 46 includes a face portion 47 , which is configured for coupling with various types of mountable elements.
- Mountable elements include, but are not limited to, arm attachments 50 ( FIG. 3B ), hook attachments 52 a ( FIGS. 3C, 12 ), 52 b ( FIG. 4B ), 52 c ( FIG. 8 ), clip attachments 54 ( FIGS. 4A, 5 and 6 ), plate or bracket attachments 56 ( FIG. 7 ), and decorative articles 700 ( FIG. 10 ).
- These types of mountable elements 19 allow a user to position flags or banners 53 ( FIG. 3B ), string lights, security lights, birdhouses, decorative lights, decorative articles, electrical outlets, and any other product type suitable for mounting. In alternative configurations, these types of mountable elements may be integral to the central portion, as shown particularly in FIGS. 4A, 6 and 11 .
- hooks, clips, mounting plates, and similar devices may be directly attached to a central portion on one or more clips, using fastening elements such as adhesives, tapes, and screws. See, e.g., FIG. 7 .
- the central portion 16 of the clip 10 is preferably used as an attachment point for one or more mountable elements.
- a mountable element may be coupled to the central portion using any viable method. Such methods include use of molding techniques, adhesives, fasteners 58 ( FIG. 7 ), and other types of fastening elements.
- FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5 show other configurations of a mounting clip 100 , 200 that may attach to a mounting surface 2 .
- each mounting clip includes a frame 112 , 212 having two extending arms 114 , 214 and an angularly aligned or slanted central portion 116 , 216 disposed between the extending arms.
- the downspout may have a striped appearance when viewed from a distance. For example, where the downspout is white and the clips 100 , 200 are red, from a distance, the downspout may look like a candy cane. This type of configuration is therefore particularly suitable for use as a decorative element during the Christmas holidays.
- FIG. 4A and 5 show a clip-type attachment 54 which may be used to string lights, garland, ropes, cords, etc.
- FIG. 4B shows an alligator hook-type attachment 52 b, which may also be used to hang lights, garland, ropes, cords, and similar objects.
- FIG. 6 shows one configuration of a mounting clip 300 having a horizontally positioned central portion 316 and extending arms 314 .
- the central portion of the clip includes an arm engagement portion 318 a and a central engagement portion 318 b.
- the central engagement portion extends from an upper face 315 to the lower face 317 of the central portion 316 .
- These engagement portions 218 a, 318 b provide additional means of retaining the clip 300 onto a mounting surface.
- FIG. 7 shows an example of one method of coupling mounting clips 400 to form a mounting clip assembly 402 , using a plate or bracket 56 .
- This type of attachment may be used to couple other types of mountable elements such as a flag holder 60 , security light brackets, etc., which are normally directly mounted onto vertical surfaces of building structures.
- FIGS. 8, 9A and 9B show additional configurations of mounting clips 500 , 600 .
- each mounting clip includes a frame 512 , 612 having four extending arms 514 , 614 and horizontally positioned central portion 516 , 616 disposed between the extending arms with engagement portions 518 a, 618 a.
- FIGS. 8 and 9A show engagement portions 518 a, 518 b disposed on profiled inner sections on the extending arm and the central portion.
- each extending arm 614 is configured to extend around a rear portion of a mounting surface (not shown).
- this version of the mounting clip 600 includes rear engagement portions 618 c .
- Each engagement portion has projections 530 , 630 , respectively, separated by channels 532 , 632 , which facilitate attachment of the mounting clip 500 , 600 to a mounting surface.
- FIG. 10 shows another configuration of a decorative article 62 suitable for attachment to a mounting clip 10 .
- the rear of the decorative article is coupled to a blank 44 .
- a blank may be formed integrally to extend from a surface of a decorative article.
- a pumpkin is shown as the decorative article in this example, any type of decorative article or element may be coupled to the blank 44 or may have a blank integrally formed therein.
- Other nonlimiting examples of decorative articles include mountable stars, hearts, icicles, snow men, candy canes, reindeer, Santa Clauses, angels, stuffed animals, etc.
- FIG. 11 shows a mounting article 700 integrally formed with the decorative article 62 , using any viable technique.
- Such techniques include, but are not limited to, molding and machining.
- the mounting clips shown include engagement portions having shapes, which may be complementary to various types of profiled mounting surfaces.
- extending arms, central portions, and/or rear portions each include respective engagement portions having projections and channels. These respective engagement portions are configured to engage with profiled mounting surfaces such that mounting clips and decorative elements may be coupled to the mounting surfaces without use of other fastening elements.
- FIG. 13 an integrated system 1000 of powered mounting clips 800 and other powered accessories 1020 , 1030 is shown.
- a building structure 804 such as a home as shown in FIG. 13 , includes mounting surfaces 802 such as downspouts that are attached or engaged to the building structure or to the gutter system associated with the building structure.
- the integrated system 1000 illustrated has a series of solar panels 1010 in electrical communication with electrically powered accessories, including staked lighting 1020 and light strands or LED strands 1030 . As shown, the staked lighting 1020 is positioned adjacent a front walk or entryway, and the light strands or LED strands 1030 are mounted to the roof 802 .
- Underground or buried wire 1018 links the staked lighting 1020 to the solar panels 1010 or batteries or energy accumulators associated with the solar panels 1010 .
- the underground or buried wire 1018 also links the solar panels 1010 or batteries or energy accumulators associated with the solar panels 1010 to powered mounting clips 800 that have been installed on mounting surfaces 802 .
- Decorative lights 870 may be engaged with the powered mounting clips 800 , such as but not limited to, the star-shaped decorative lights shown in FIG. 13 .
- the powered mounting clips 800 are joined in series by wires, and are in turn in electrical communication with the light strands or LED strands 1030 .
- FIGS. 14-17 show a powered mounting clip 800 in more detail.
- a powered mounting clip 800 has a central portion 816 and outwardly extending arms 814 .
- the extending arms 814 have inwardly facing surfaces and outwardly facing surfaces.
- the inwardly facing surface of the extending arms 814 preferably include engagement portions 818 , such as the upstanding ridges alternating with channels as shown in FIG. 14 .
- the central portion 816 of the powered mounting clip 800 defines a blank receiving area 838 having a slotted area 840 and a blank opening area 842 .
- Conductive contacts or contact regions 880 a, 880 b are found on an inner surface of the blank receiving area 838 .
- the conductive contact regions may be formed of an electrically conductive material, including but not limited to, a metal, such as copper or aluminum, or a conductive plastic, such as Nylon 6 / 6 with conductive particles dispersed therein.
- a drain channel 890 is provided at a bottom portion of the slotted area 840 to drain water that may penetrate into the slotted area 840 .
- a first male jack or connector 900 a engages a female socket 882 a. Conductive wires lead through the central portion 816 from the female socket 882 a to the conductive contacts or contact regions 880 a, 8806 .
- a second male jack or connector 900 b engages a female socket 882 b. Conductive wires lead through the central portion 816 from the female socket 882 b to the conductive contacts or contact regions 880 a, 880 b.
- a blank 844 has a protruding section 846 and a mating section 848 .
- the mating section 848 is of a configuration to be slidably received into the slotted area 840 of the blank receiving area 838 .
- the blank 844 has conductive wires 876 , 878 inserted therethrough or held therein. The wires 876 , 878 may terminate at one end at contact points (not shown). Attached to or formed integrally with the blank is a post 872 for a decorative light 870 or other powered decorative article.
- the decorative light 870 is shown in more detail in FIG. 15 .
- the decorative light 870 in this embodiment is formed as a star-shaped globe extending from the post 872 .
- a light or bulb 874 which may be an incandescent bulb, an LED, or other powered structure that emits light, is in electrical communication with the wires 876 , 878 .
- the tips or contact points of the wires 876 , 878 are in electrical contact with the conductive contacts or contact regions 880 a, 880 b of the powered mounting clip 800 to complete an electrical circuit.
- the bulb 874 will receive electricity to illuminate the decorative light 870 . While the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 connects the powered mounting clips in series with solar panels 1010 , the invention is not limited to use of solar panels. Any source of electricity of suitable voltage may be used to power the powered mounting clips and decorative accessories joined to the powered mounting clips. Electrical connection to a residential power grid is contemplated. As another alternative, batteries other than batteries associated with solar panels may also be suitable power sources.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Clamps And Clips (AREA)
Abstract
Mounting clips (10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) removably engage to vertically disposed mounting surfaces, such as rain gutter downspouts. The mounting clips support hooks, arms, plates, decorations, and brackets for display of banners, flags, security lights, decorative lights, etc., on a downspout or other comparable mounting surface. The mounting clips include a frame (12) having arms (14) with projections (30) separated by channels (32) configured for attachment to a profiled outer surface of the mounting surface. Mounting clips (800) may incorporate power connections to power decorative articles connected to the mounting clips. A plurality of mounting clips with power connections may be joined together in series to form a system or grid (1000). Such system may be adapted for connection to power sources, including batteries, such as batteries associated with solar panels (1010).
Description
- This application is a national stage application (under 35 USC §371) of PCT/US2014/024107, filed Mar. 12, 2014, which claims benefit of U.S. application No. 61/777,599, filed Mar. 12, 2013.
- The field of the present invention relates to mounting clips configured to mount onto a rain gutter downspout, household post, deck post, tree, pole, various sizes of lumber, doorway, or other comparable mounting surface.
- Homeowners frequently mount various types of items onto the exterior of a building structure, including security lights, decorative lights, flags, and seasonal decorations. Many times, however, these items are not easily mounted onto building exteriors. Security lights, for example, are usually mounted onto exterior corners of buildings, using screws and specially designed mounting brackets. Decorative lights are often mounted with hook-type attachments, which are nailed or screwed into the building exterior or joined to horizontally disposed rain gutters. Flag mounts and other types of seasonal decorations are similarly mounted to building exteriors, using special attachments which are screwed or nailed into place.
- Unfortunately, when lights, flags, decorations, and other mountable elements are not in use, the mounting devices used to attach these lights and decorations are left behind, potentially decreasing the aesthetic value of the building. In addition, when these mounting devices and their respective fastening elements are removed, damage made during installation is revealed. Depending on the material of the building structure, after removal of these elements, scratches, holes, cracks, rips, and tears in building exteriors are apparent. Besides negatively affecting the aesthetic appearance of building exteriors, the resulting damage may also provide entry sites for insects, water, wind, and dirt.
- Various types of solutions have been proposed to attach lights, flags, decorations and other types of mountable elements to building exteriors. However, few solutions allow for attachment to a building structure without penetrating the structure's exterior. Moreover, few, if any, of these proposed solutions have considered attaching mountable elements, such as lights and decorations to rain gutter downspouts and other comparable vertically disposed mounting surfaces.
- Downspouts, which are also commonly known as waterspouts, down pipes, drain spouts, and drain pipes, are vertically positioned conduits which are coupled to horizontally positioned gutters to carry rainwater from a gutter to ground level. Downspouts primarily direct water away from a building's foundation. By using downspouts, water may be directed to a sewer, rain collection area, or to the ground at a distance from a building foundation. Downspouts generally are positioned vertically against exterior building walls, and typically are coupled to building exteriors using straps positioned at various points along the vertical length of the downspout. Although some proposed solutions have considered clip-type attachments for decorative lights to horizontally-positioned gutters disposed along a roofline, these attachments are not adaptable to the shape and configuration of downspouts and other comparable vertically disposed mounting surfaces.
- For these reasons, among others, there is a clear need for improved mounting clips used to mount lights, decorations, and other types of mountable elements. More particularly, a need exists for mounting clips that may be installed and removed repeatedly without causing significant harm to the supporting structure. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages, as described in the following summary.
- In one aspect of the invention, a mounting clip is configured for attachment to a downspout or other comparable mounting surface. The mounting clip includes a frame having a plurality of extending arms and a central portion disposed between at least two of the plurality of extending arms.
- In one mounting clip configuration, a blank receiving area, configured to mate with a blank, is defined in the central portion. Various types of mountable elements may be coupled to the blank, including hooks, clips, arms, and mounting plates. The extending arms, central portions and/or rear portions of the frame may include projections and channels, which are complementary to the mounting surface such that the clip engages with the surface without the need for fastening elements.
- Variations include incorporating electrical connectors or conductive leads into the frame that are adapted for electrical communication with powered elements of decorative articles. The powered mounting clips may be electrically joined together, such as by wire connections, to form an integrated system of powered mounting clips. The powered mounting clips may be joined to power sources, such as batteries, and particularly battery packs associated with solar panels. The powered mounting clips may be linked in series with other powered accessories, such as staked lights, strings of lights and holiday decorations with movable parts or appendages.
- A more complete understanding of the invention, including an understanding of the various configurations of mounting clips and decorative mounting articles, will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages and objects thereof, by consideration of the followed detailed description. Reference will be made to the appended drawing sheets which will first be described briefly.
- The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to similar components:
-
FIG. 1 is a right perspective view of one configuration of a mounting clip positioned for alignment onto a downspout; -
FIG. 2 is a left perspective view of the mounting clip shown in FIG. I; -
FIG. 3A is a right perspective view of the mounting clip shown in FIG. I and a blank positioned in alignment with a blank receiving area on the clip; -
FIG. 3B is a right perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the first configuration of a mounting clip with a blank therein, wherein said blank is coupled to a flag or banner attachment; -
FIG. 3C is a right perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the first configuration of a mounting clip with a blank therein, wherein said blank is coupled to a hook attachment; -
FIG. 4A is a right perspective view of a second configuration of a mounting clip; -
FIG. 4B is a right perspective view of a third configuration of a mounting clip; -
FIG. 5 is a front view of the mounting clip configuration shown inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is a right perspective view of a fourth configuration of a mounting clip; -
FIG. 7 is a right perspective view of a mounting clip assembly; -
FIG. 8 is a right perspective view of a fifth configuration of a mounting clip; -
FIG. 9A is a top view of a mounting clip configuration shown inFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 9B is a top view of a sixth mounting clip configuration; -
FIG. 10 is a right perspective view of a decorative article coupled to a mounting clip; -
FIG. 11 is a right perspective view of a decorative article having an integrated mounting clip; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one mounting clip configuration mounted onto a vertical post; -
FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a house featuring a solar-powered display system that includes solar panels and battery packs in electrical communication with several mounting clips and several other powered elements, such as staked light bulbs and strings of light bulbs; -
FIG. 14 is a partially exploded right perspective view showing a powered mounting clip assembly with a powered mounting clip and mating blank; -
FIG. 15 is a right perspective view of the powered mounting clip assembly ofFIG. 14 , installed onto a vertical downspout or post; -
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 inFIGS. 14 ; and -
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 inFIG. 15 . - Turning in detail to the drawings,
FIGS. 1-12 show various configurations of mountingclips - It is also within the scope of this invention for the mounting clips and decorative mounting articles to be mounted on alternative mounting surfaces other than vertically disposed mounting surfaces. Alternative mounting surfaces may comprise, for example and without limitation, hand railings, deck railings, porch railings, whether horizontally disposed or angularly disposed, trees, poles, various sizes of lumber, and doorways.
- The mounting clips and decorative mounting articles shown may be manufactured from a variety of material types. However, in preferred configurations, the clips and articles are manufactured with flexible materials, including, but not limited to, elastomeric, thermoplastic, and metallic materials. A representative metal is aluminum. Representative thermoplastic materials are polyvinylchloride (PVC) and polyurethane. A representative elastomeric material is rubber or latex rubber. Such materials should be substantially weather resistant such that they are not subject to significant corrosion upon frequent exposure to rain, snow, ice, humidity, etc. Alternatively, the materials may be impregnated with or coated with protective materials, such as but not limited to, antimicrobials, UV-resistants and/or flame retardants, which provide sufficient weather resistance.
- Mounting clips and decorative mounting articles may also be manufactured with different types of colors such that they blend with the building structure or downspout material. Alternatively, mounting clips and decorative mounting articles may be manufactured having a contrasting color, decoration, or pattern that lends to building aesthetics or seasonal decor. For example, mounting clips may have a shape and color that changes the appearance of a downspout to appear from a distance to be a striped candy cane. In addition, mounting clips and decorative mounting articles may have shapes and colors that are complementary to other decor positioned close to the building structure.
-
FIGS. 1-3C and 12 show on version of a mountingclip 10 configured for attachment to a mountingsurface 2, such as adownspout 2 a, apost 2 b (FIG. 12 ), or other comparable mounting surface. Thedownspout 2 a is in a substantially vertical position against abuilding structure 4 and may be coupled to a horizontally positionedgutter 6, which is coupled to a roof 8 of the building structure. Referring particularly toFIGS. 2 and 3A , in one configuration, the mountingclip 10 includes aframe 12 having a plurality of extendingarms 14 and acentral portion 16 disposed between at least two of the plurality of extending arms. Theframe 12 has a shape that is complementary to a profiled mountingsurface 17, which is represented in hidden lines inFIG. 2 . A “profiled mounting surface” is defined herein as a surface that engages with complementary engagement portions of a mounting clip or a decorative mounting article, as further described below. - Where the mounting
surface 2 is a downspout that has a generally rectangular cross-section with rounded corners, theframe 12 may be substantially u-shaped such that it covers front sections and side sections of the downspout. If the mounting surface, such as a downspout, has a generally circular cross-section, however, the frame may be substantially c-shaped. Other complementary frame configurations may also be realized, depending upon the cross-sectional shape of the mounting surface. - In the configuration shown in
FIGS. 1, 2 and 3A , the mountingclip 10 includes at least two extendingarms 14 each having anengagement portion 18 with a profiledinner section 20. Theclip 10 also includes acorner section 22 that engages with thecorners 26 of the mountingsurface 2, while the profiledinner sections 20 is configured to engage with a profiled mountingsurface 17. The profiledinner section 20 of the extending arm also may includeprojections 30 andchannels 32 that extend from anupper arm edge 34 to alower arm edge 36. - Opposing extending
arms surface 2, thearms arms projections 30 andchannels 32 of the profiledinner section 20 are in substantial alignment with the profiled mountingsurface 17. Thus, when the mountingclip 10 is installed on a downspout,projections 30 fit within or engage recesses or channels of the profiled mountingsurface 17, and ridges or raised portions of the profiled mountingsurface 17 fit within or engage withchannels 32 such that the clip is held onto the surface without the use of fastening elements, such as tape, nails, and screws, or the like. The engagement of the profiledsections 20 of theclip 10 and the mountingsurface 17 is such that theclip 10 may be quickly installed onto the mounting surfaces by pushing force, and then in turn quickly removed by pulling the extending arms away from the mountingsurface 17. When theclip 10 is mounted on the mountingsurface 17, the extendingarms clip 10 to the mountingsurface 17 is a snap fit or comparable to a snap fit, and theclip 10 may be installed and removed repeatedly from the engagement to the mountingsurface 17. - In the configuration shown in
FIGS. 1-3C , thecentral portion 16 includes ablank receiving area 38, having a varying wall thickness, with at least one wall thickness portion having a greater wall thickness than the extending arm wall thickness. Theblank receiving area 38 defines a slotted are 40, having one section with a substantially rectangular shape, and ablank opening area 42. The shapes of the slotted area and the blank opening area shown inFIGS. 1-3C , however, should not be construed as limited. Each of theseareas - In the configuration of
FIGS. 1-3C , the blank 44 includes a protrudingsection 46 and amating section 48. Themating section 48 is configured for positioning within the slottedarea 40 such that the blank 44 slides into theblank receiving area 38. The protrudingsection 46 includes aface portion 47, which is configured for coupling with various types of mountable elements. - Mountable elements include, but are not limited to, arm attachments 50 (
FIG. 3B ),hook attachments 52 a (FIGS. 3C, 12 ), 52 b (FIG. 4B ), 52 c (FIG. 8 ), clip attachments 54 (FIGS. 4A, 5 and 6 ), plate or bracket attachments 56 (FIG. 7 ), and decorative articles 700 (FIG. 10 ). These types of mountable elements 19 allow a user to position flags or banners 53 (FIG. 3B ), string lights, security lights, birdhouses, decorative lights, decorative articles, electrical outlets, and any other product type suitable for mounting. In alternative configurations, these types of mountable elements may be integral to the central portion, as shown particularly inFIGS. 4A, 6 and 11 . Alternatively, hooks, clips, mounting plates, and similar devices may be directly attached to a central portion on one or more clips, using fastening elements such as adhesives, tapes, and screws. See, e.g.,FIG. 7 . Thecentral portion 16 of theclip 10 is preferably used as an attachment point for one or more mountable elements. As such, a mountable element may be coupled to the central portion using any viable method. Such methods include use of molding techniques, adhesives, fasteners 58 (FIG. 7 ), and other types of fastening elements. -
FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5 show other configurations of a mountingclip surface 2. Here, each mounting clip includes aframe arms central portion clips FIGS. 4A and 5 show a clip-type attachment 54 which may be used to string lights, garland, ropes, cords, etc.FIG. 4B shows an alligator hook-type attachment 52 b, which may also be used to hang lights, garland, ropes, cords, and similar objects. -
FIG. 6 shows one configuration of a mountingclip 300 having a horizontally positioned central portion 316 and extendingarms 314. Here, the central portion of the clip includes anarm engagement portion 318 a and acentral engagement portion 318 b. The central engagement portion extends from anupper face 315 to thelower face 317 of the central portion 316. Theseengagement portions 218 a, 318 b provide additional means of retaining theclip 300 onto a mounting surface. -
FIG. 7 shows an example of one method ofcoupling mounting clips 400 to form a mountingclip assembly 402, using a plate orbracket 56. This type of attachment may be used to couple other types of mountable elements such as aflag holder 60, security light brackets, etc., which are normally directly mounted onto vertical surfaces of building structures. -
FIGS. 8, 9A and 9B show additional configurations of mountingclips frame arms central portion engagement portions FIGS. 8 and 9A showengagement portions FIG. 9B , each extendingarm 614 is configured to extend around a rear portion of a mounting surface (not shown). As such, this version of the mountingclip 600 includesrear engagement portions 618 c. Each engagement portion hasprojections channels clip -
FIG. 10 shows another configuration of adecorative article 62 suitable for attachment to a mountingclip 10. InFIG. 10 , the rear of the decorative article is coupled to a blank 44. Alternatively, a blank may be formed integrally to extend from a surface of a decorative article. Although a pumpkin is shown as the decorative article in this example, any type of decorative article or element may be coupled to the blank 44 or may have a blank integrally formed therein. Other nonlimiting examples of decorative articles include mountable stars, hearts, icicles, snow men, candy canes, reindeer, Santa Clauses, angels, stuffed animals, etc. -
FIG. 11 shows a mountingarticle 700 integrally formed with thedecorative article 62, using any viable technique. Such techniques include, but are not limited to, molding and machining. - The mounting clips shown include engagement portions having shapes, which may be complementary to various types of profiled mounting surfaces. In preferred configurations, extending arms, central portions, and/or rear portions each include respective engagement portions having projections and channels. These respective engagement portions are configured to engage with profiled mounting surfaces such that mounting clips and decorative elements may be coupled to the mounting surfaces without use of other fastening elements.
- Referring next to
FIG. 13 , anintegrated system 1000 of powered mountingclips 800 and otherpowered accessories building structure 804 such as a home as shown inFIG. 13 , includes mountingsurfaces 802 such as downspouts that are attached or engaged to the building structure or to the gutter system associated with the building structure. Theintegrated system 1000 illustrated has a series ofsolar panels 1010 in electrical communication with electrically powered accessories, including stakedlighting 1020 and light strands orLED strands 1030. As shown, the stakedlighting 1020 is positioned adjacent a front walk or entryway, and the light strands orLED strands 1030 are mounted to theroof 802. Underground or buriedwire 1018 links the stakedlighting 1020 to thesolar panels 1010 or batteries or energy accumulators associated with thesolar panels 1010. The underground or buriedwire 1018 also links thesolar panels 1010 or batteries or energy accumulators associated with thesolar panels 1010 to powered mountingclips 800 that have been installed on mountingsurfaces 802.Decorative lights 870 may be engaged with the powered mountingclips 800, such as but not limited to, the star-shaped decorative lights shown inFIG. 13 . The powered mounting clips 800 are joined in series by wires, and are in turn in electrical communication with the light strands orLED strands 1030. -
FIGS. 14-17 show apowered mounting clip 800 in more detail. As shown inFIG. 14 , apowered mounting clip 800 has acentral portion 816 and outwardly extendingarms 814. The extendingarms 814 have inwardly facing surfaces and outwardly facing surfaces. The inwardly facing surface of the extendingarms 814 preferably includeengagement portions 818, such as the upstanding ridges alternating with channels as shown inFIG. 14 . Thecentral portion 816 of the powered mountingclip 800 defines ablank receiving area 838 having a slottedarea 840 and ablank opening area 842. Conductive contacts orcontact regions blank receiving area 838. The conductive contact regions may be formed of an electrically conductive material, including but not limited to, a metal, such as copper or aluminum, or a conductive plastic, such asNylon 6/6 with conductive particles dispersed therein. - A
drain channel 890 is provided at a bottom portion of the slottedarea 840 to drain water that may penetrate into the slottedarea 840. - A first male jack or
connector 900 a engages afemale socket 882 a. Conductive wires lead through thecentral portion 816 from thefemale socket 882 a to the conductive contacts orcontact regions 880 a, 8806. A second male jack orconnector 900 b engages afemale socket 882 b. Conductive wires lead through thecentral portion 816 from thefemale socket 882 b to the conductive contacts orcontact regions - A blank 844 has a protruding
section 846 and amating section 848. Themating section 848 is of a configuration to be slidably received into the slottedarea 840 of theblank receiving area 838. The blank 844 hasconductive wires wires post 872 for adecorative light 870 or other powered decorative article. - The
decorative light 870 is shown in more detail inFIG. 15 . Thedecorative light 870 in this embodiment is formed as a star-shaped globe extending from thepost 872. A light orbulb 874, which may be an incandescent bulb, an LED, or other powered structure that emits light, is in electrical communication with thewires - When the blank 844 is slidably engaged into the slotted
area 840 of theblank receiving area 838 of the powered mounting clip, the tips or contact points of thewires contact regions clip 800 to complete an electrical circuit. When themale jack connectors bulb 874 will receive electricity to illuminate thedecorative light 870. While the embodiment shown inFIG. 13 connects the powered mounting clips in series withsolar panels 1010, the invention is not limited to use of solar panels. Any source of electricity of suitable voltage may be used to power the powered mounting clips and decorative accessories joined to the powered mounting clips. Electrical connection to a residential power grid is contemplated. As another alternative, batteries other than batteries associated with solar panels may also be suitable power sources. - Thus, various configurations of mounting clips and decorative mounting articles are disclosed. While embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the following claims.
- 2 mounting surface
2 a downspout
2 b post
4 building structure
8 roof
10 mounting clip
12 frame
14, 14 a, 14 b extending arms
16 central portion
17 profiled mounting surface
18 engagement portion
19 mountable element
20 inner surface or section
22 corner section
26 corner of mounting surface
30 projections
32 channels
34 upper arm edge
36 lower arm edge
38 blank receiving area
40 slotted area
42 blank opening area
44 blank
46 protruding section
47 face portion
48 mating section
50 arm attachments
52 a, 52 b, 52 c hook attachments
54 clip attachment
56 plate or bracket attachment
58 fastener
62 decorative article
100 mounting clip
112 frame
114 extending arm
116 central portion
200 mounting clip
212 frame
214 extending arm
216 central portion
300 mounting clip
314 extending arm
316 central portion
317 lower face
318 a, 318 b engagement portions
400 mounting clip
402 mounting clip assembly
500 mounting clip
512 frame
514 extending arm
516 central portion
518 a, 518 b engagement portions
530 projections
532 channels
600 mounting clip
612 frame
614 extending arm
616 central portion
618 a, 618 b engagement portions
630 projections
632 channels
700 mounting article
800 powered mounting clip
802 mounting surface
804 building structure
808 roof
812 frame
814 extending arms
816 central portion
818 engagement portion
838 blank receiving area
840 slotted area
842 blank opening area
844 blank
846 protruding section
848 mating section
870 decorative light
872 post attachment
874 light or bulb
876 wire
878 wire
880 a, 880 b conductive contact region
882 a, 882 b female receiving plug
884 wire
890 drainage hole
900 a, 900 b male jack
902 wire
904 wire
1000 integrated system of powered mounting clips and other powered accessories
1010 solar panel
1014 wire
1018 wire
1020 staked lights
1030 bulbs on light string
Claims (16)
1. A mounting clip (800) for a decorative article, comprising:
a frame (812) with arms (814) extending therefrom adapted to removably attach the frame to a mounting surface, said frame defining a slotted area (840) adapted to receive a blank (844) for connection to a decorative article;
a first conductive contact region (880 a) disposed within the slotted area and adapted for forming an electrical connection in series with a first electrical connector (900 a) and a second electrical connector (900 b); and
a second conductive contact region (880 b) disposed within the slotted area and adapted for forming an electrical connection in series with the first electrical connector (900 a) and the second electrical connector (900 b).
2. The mounting clip of claim 1 , wherein the first electrical connector comprises a male jack with wire leading therein in combination with a female plug (882 a) disposed within the frame.
3. The mounting clip of claim 1 , wherein the second electrical connector comprises a male jack with wire leading therein in combination with a female plug (882 b) disposed within the frame.
4. The mounting clip of claim 1 , wherein the first and second conductive contact regions are disposed in spaced apart relation at a rear surface of the slotted area, and are adapted for electrical communication with conductive projections or points of the decorative article.
5. The mounting clip of claim 1 , wherein the first and second conductive contact regions comprise a conductive material selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminum and conductive plastic.
6. The mounting clip of claim 1 , further comprising a blank (844) and an associated decorative article (870).
7. The mounting clip of claim 6 , wherein the decorative article (870) comprises a light bulb, a string of light bulbs, an LED, a string of LEDs, or a powered aspect or appendage of a holiday decoration.
8. A system (1000) of powered mounting clips (800), comprising:
a first mounting clip (800) for a decorative article (870), said first mounting clip having a frame (812) with arms (814) extending therefrom adapted to removably attach the frame to a mounting surface, said frame defining a slotted area (840) adapted to receive a blank (844) for connection to the decorative article, at least a first conductive contact region (880 a) and a second conductive contact region (880 b) disposed within the slotted area, a first electrical connector (900 a) in electrical connection with the first conductive contact region and the second conductive contact region, and a second electrical connector (900 b) in electrical connection with the first conductive contact region and the second conductive contact region;
a second mounting clip for a decorative article, said second mounting clip having a frame with arms extending therefrom adapted to removably attach the frame to a mounting surface, said frame defining a slotted area adapted to receive a blank for connection to a decorative article, at least a first conductive contact region and a second conductive contact region disposed within the slotted area, a first electrical connector in electrical connection with the first conductive contact region and the second conductive contact region, and a second electrical connector in electrical connection with the first conductive contact region and the second conductive contact region; and
an electrical connection (902) between said first mounting clip and said second mounting clip.
9. The system of claim 8 , further comprising:
a solar panel (1010);
a battery to store accumulated electrical energy;
an electrical connection between the solar panel and the battery; and
an electrical connection (1018) between the battery and the first mounting clip.
10. The system of claim 9 , further comprising a second solar panel, a second battery, and an electrical connection between the second solar panel and the second battery.
11. The system of claim 8 , further comprising a decorative article (870) joined to or associated with the blank (844) , wherein the blank is engagable with the slotted area (840) of the first mounting clip.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the decorative article comprises a powered element that is in electrical communication with the first and second conductive contacts of the first mounting clip.
13. The system of claim 12 , further comprising a decorative article joined to or associated with the blank, wherein said blank is engagable with the slotted area of the second mounting clip, and wherein the decorative article comprises a powered element that is in electrical communication with the first and second conductive contacts of the second mounting clip.
14. The system of claim 8 , further comprising a powered element that is in electrical communication with either the second electrical conductor of the first mounting clip or the second electrical conductor of the second mounting clip.
15. The system of claim 12 , wherein the powered element is selected from the group consisting of: a light bulb, a string of light bulbs, an LED, a string of LEDs, and a powered aspect or appendage of a holiday decoration.
16. The system of claim 12 , further comprising two or more additional powered elements (1020, 1030) in electrical communication with one another, with at least one of said two or more additional powered elements in electrical communication with one of the electrical conductors of either the first or the second mounting clip.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/773,393 US20160223171A1 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2014-03-12 | Powered mounting clips for mounting decorative articles |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201361777599P | 2013-03-12 | 2013-03-12 | |
US14/773,393 US20160223171A1 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2014-03-12 | Powered mounting clips for mounting decorative articles |
PCT/US2014/024107 WO2014165006A1 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2014-03-12 | Powered mounting clips for mounting decorative articles |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160223171A1 true US20160223171A1 (en) | 2016-08-04 |
Family
ID=51659041
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/773,393 Abandoned US20160223171A1 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2014-03-12 | Powered mounting clips for mounting decorative articles |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20160223171A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2967242A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN105050457B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014165006A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
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US20160245489A1 (en) * | 2015-02-23 | 2016-08-25 | Stacy Lee Kennedy | Ridgeline roof clip for securing holiday lighting |
US20180160837A1 (en) * | 2016-12-13 | 2018-06-14 | Anthony Jerome Middleton | Curtain Bracket for a Sliding Door |
US10272817B2 (en) * | 2016-02-22 | 2019-04-30 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Retaining brackets for interior convenience nets and objects |
US20200229589A1 (en) * | 2019-01-23 | 2020-07-23 | Oz-Post International, LLC | Telescoping countertop support bracket assembly |
US20210205979A1 (en) * | 2019-12-10 | 2021-07-08 | Armor Builders, Inc | Tool retaining systems, methods and apparatus |
FR3109205A3 (en) * | 2020-04-10 | 2021-10-15 | Blachere Illumination Sas | Manufacturing process of improved electrical insulation of a metal support frame of light decoration |
US20220373130A1 (en) * | 2021-05-16 | 2022-11-24 | Ryan David Walker | Compliant Railing Bracket |
US11691501B2 (en) * | 2016-12-30 | 2023-07-04 | Kautex Textron Gmbh & Co. Kg | In-tank fastening device |
Families Citing this family (7)
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WO2014165000A1 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2014-10-09 | Gibbons Innovations | Mounting clips and adapters for mounting decorative articles |
CN105471464A (en) * | 2015-12-30 | 2016-04-06 | 贝兹维仪器(苏州)有限公司 | High-reliability wireless sensor device |
CN105490696A (en) * | 2015-12-30 | 2016-04-13 | 贝兹维仪器(苏州)有限公司 | Wireless sensor device for drilling field |
CN105484727B (en) * | 2015-12-30 | 2019-05-31 | 贝兹维仪器(苏州)有限公司 | A kind of wireless sensor device of self-opening power supply |
CN105472783B (en) * | 2015-12-30 | 2018-06-19 | 中国石油集团长城钻探工程有限公司 | A kind of novel wireless sensor device |
CN107588373B (en) | 2016-07-08 | 2021-09-28 | 创科无线普通合伙 | Cable lamp |
IT201800006877A1 (en) * | 2018-07-03 | 2020-01-03 | BEACON FOR GREENHOUSES |
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- 2014-03-12 WO PCT/US2014/024107 patent/WO2014165006A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-03-12 EP EP14778424.3A patent/EP2967242A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2014-03-12 US US14/773,393 patent/US20160223171A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-03-12 CN CN201480014463.1A patent/CN105050457B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20160245489A1 (en) * | 2015-02-23 | 2016-08-25 | Stacy Lee Kennedy | Ridgeline roof clip for securing holiday lighting |
US10443825B2 (en) * | 2015-02-23 | 2019-10-15 | Stacy Lee Kennedy | Ridgeline roof clip for securing holiday lighting |
US10272817B2 (en) * | 2016-02-22 | 2019-04-30 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Retaining brackets for interior convenience nets and objects |
US20180160837A1 (en) * | 2016-12-13 | 2018-06-14 | Anthony Jerome Middleton | Curtain Bracket for a Sliding Door |
US11691501B2 (en) * | 2016-12-30 | 2023-07-04 | Kautex Textron Gmbh & Co. Kg | In-tank fastening device |
US20210145165A1 (en) * | 2019-01-23 | 2021-05-20 | Oz-Post International, LLC | Telescoping countertop support bracket assembly |
US10932559B2 (en) * | 2019-01-23 | 2021-03-02 | Oz-Post International, LLC | Telescoping countertop support bracket assembly |
US11666141B2 (en) * | 2019-01-23 | 2023-06-06 | The Hillman Group, Inc. | Telescoping countertop support bracket assembly |
US20200229589A1 (en) * | 2019-01-23 | 2020-07-23 | Oz-Post International, LLC | Telescoping countertop support bracket assembly |
US20210205979A1 (en) * | 2019-12-10 | 2021-07-08 | Armor Builders, Inc | Tool retaining systems, methods and apparatus |
US11638992B2 (en) * | 2019-12-10 | 2023-05-02 | Armor Builders, Inc. | Tool retaining systems, methods and apparatus |
FR3109205A3 (en) * | 2020-04-10 | 2021-10-15 | Blachere Illumination Sas | Manufacturing process of improved electrical insulation of a metal support frame of light decoration |
US20220373130A1 (en) * | 2021-05-16 | 2022-11-24 | Ryan David Walker | Compliant Railing Bracket |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2967242A1 (en) | 2016-01-20 |
WO2014165006A1 (en) | 2014-10-09 |
CN105050457B (en) | 2016-12-14 |
EP2967242A4 (en) | 2016-06-08 |
CN105050457A (en) | 2015-11-11 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GIBBONS INNOVATIONS, INC., DELAWARE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GIBBONS, CHRISTOPHER J.;GIBBONS, JEFFREY S.;REEL/FRAME:036504/0868 Effective date: 20150828 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |